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Phil Handy Calls Kyrie Irving The Most Skilled Player To Ever Play
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Handy recently spoke on 'SiriusXM NBA Radio' about Kyrie Irving's extraordinary basketball skills, particularly his ball-handling abilities. 

"Kyrie is a little bit more athletic than people give him credit for. He's not an above the rim type of guy. Aside from his skill, Kyrie is super strong. His first step is elite. And then just his understanding and his IQ of the game at a high, high level. We haven't even talked about the skill yet."

"Those those three areas, man, his ability to play in tight spaces and get people off balance is something I've never really seen before. In my opinion, man, I think Kyrie's probably the most skilled player to ever play."

"He is what I call an elite three-level scorer. And there's a lot of guys that can score at all three levels, but he is super elite at all three levels."

"He can get you on the three, whether it be catch and shoot, off the dribble, they can play pick and roll, it gets you in the mid-range, he can finish at the rim, and then the other piece that people don't really realize, Kyrie is an excellent post-up player for his size, tremendous footwork."

"So you put that whole package together, somebody that has probably the most insane handle we've seen in a player, his footwork is really good. He's a tough, tough individual basketball player to guard, man. And he's figured out his science to the game."

Handy emphasized that while Irving is often recognized for his offensive prowess, his overall athleticism is underrated. Despite not being an above-the-rim player, Kyrie possesses remarkable strength and an elite first step that, combined with his high basketball IQ, sets him apart.

Handy highlighted Irving's unparalleled skill set, calling him the most skilled player to ever play the game. Irving's ability to operate in tight spaces and throw defenders off balance is something Handy has never seen before. He described Kyrie as an elite three-level scorer, a rare distinction even among the best players. 

Irving excels at scoring from beyond the arc, whether through catch-and-shoot opportunities or off-the-dribble maneuvers. His mid-range game is equally formidable, and he is an exceptional finisher at the rim.

One of the often-overlooked aspects of Irving's game, according to Handy, is his proficiency as a post-up player. Despite his size, Irving's footwork in the post is outstanding, allowing him to score efficiently against larger defenders. Handy summed up Irving's skill set by emphasizing his exceptional ball-handling, footwork, and scoring ability, making him one of the toughest players to guard.

Kyrie Irving's return to the NBA Finals, seven years after his last appearance, underscores his elite status. This postseason, he has been on fire, averaging 22.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 48.5% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range. His performances have been crucial in leading the Dallas Mavericks to the Finals.

Irving's matchup against his former team, the Boston Celtics, adds an intriguing narrative to the Finals. The relationship between Irving and the Celtics has been contentious since his departure, with Irving losing his last 10 games against Boston

This series provides him with an opportunity not only to help his team win a championship but also to settle scores with his former team. With his exceptional skills and a chip on his shoulder, Irving is poised to make a significant impact in the Finals.

Kyrie Irving Has Rewritten The Narrative Of Him

Kyrie Irving has faced numerous ups and downs throughout his career, with many questioning his leadership and commitment. However, this season has been a pivotal one for Irving, as he has successfully rewritten the narrative surrounding him. His exceptional performance in leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals has demonstrated his growth and maturity as a player and a leader.

Irving's journey has been marked by several controversies and team changes, from his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers to his tumultuous stint with the Boston Celtics and then moving to the Brooklyn Nets. Critics often pointed to his off-court behavior and his injuries as reasons to doubt his reliability. Yet, Irving has used these experiences as fuel to improve his game and prove his doubters wrong.

His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in clutch moments has been instrumental in the Mavericks' playoff success. More importantly, his leadership on and off the court has been a driving force for the team.

Irving's redemption arc is also highlighted by his return to the NBA Finals after seven years. His matchups against elite teams and his consistent performance have silenced many critics. Furthermore, facing his former team, the Boston Celtics, in the Finals adds an extra layer of motivation for Irving to showcase his growth and leadership.

Kyrie Irving has successfully rewritten the narrative around him. By leading the Mavericks to the Finals and displaying exceptional skills and leadership, he has proven that he is not only a top-tier player but also a reliable leader. This season has marked a significant turning point in his career, solidifying his legacy as one of the NBA's most talented and resilient players.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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